2013 April 6 – Meridian Charter School Science Day
This weekend was Science Day at Meridian Charter School. I love these types of events because they provide hands-on learning experiences for a broad range of sciences rather than just astronomy. Marshmallows with toothpicks, empty soda bottles, plastic human skeletons and the likes were being ushered in by the armfuls in preparation of the event. My station was solar astronomy in the courtyard. I brought my dual mount solar rig consisting of a double-stacked Maxscope 60mm hydrogen alpha solar telescope and a 102mm refractor with a Thousand Oaks white light filter. I also brought handouts for the students and their families.
The volunteers and faculty staff at Meridian Charter were fantastic and very helpful. They provided food and refreshments and volunteers to assist me during the event as well as unloading and loading my equipment. They couldn’t have made me feel more welcomed if they tried.
I’m not sure how many people came through to take peeks at the Sun, but if I were to guess, it would be 300-400 during the 5 1/2 hours I was there – 1 hour for set up and tear down, the remainder for viewing. The ages ranged from toddlers to senior citizens. There were only a few breaks where I had a minute or two to step away from the scopes for a breather. Other than that, it was a steady stream of attendees with small lines. I explained the views of both scopes with each person that stepped up to the eyepiece. What fun it is to experience “first solar views” over and over again during the course of a day!
How often does a person get to hear a young student exclaim, “This is the BEST station yet!!”
Outreach is such a rewarding experience!
PCW Memorial Observatory - Erika Rix 
You weave such a great story. Thank you!
stephen.ramsden.56@facebook.com said this on April 7, 2013 at 16:59 |